Pacification began with the assasinations of the Earls of Moray and Argyll. James imprisoned noblemen and proclamation was issued that nobles not loyal to the crown would forfeit their Highland estates. Sir William Stewart was hired to instigate forfeiture, and lands were given to Lowland colonists.

Laws were enacted in Highland areas: Merchants could seize alcohol without payment, obediance to the Protestant clergy was mandatory, idle persons were to be diminished, households could contain only a certain number of people, firearms not allowed, homeless people were to be tried as thieves and oppressors, and gentlemen were to send their children to the Lowlands to learn English to prevent ignorance and uncivility. James died in 1625. (1, 2, 5, 12)